Helen C. Dreyer, 89, formerly of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, while under the care of Compassus Hospice at Renaissance Assisted Living, Weston.
She was born May 25, 1933, in Wausau, daughter of the late Claude and Sarah (Sniegoski) Sobkowiak. On February 24, 1962, she married James (Jim) Dreyer in Green Bay. Helen and Jim lived in several cities in WI before settling again in Wausau in 1972. Jim preceded her in death on January 1, 2014.
Upon graduating in 1950 from Wausau High School, she began her career in secretarial work at Wausau Insurance Company.
Helen was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael Church in Wausau. She was a faithful member of the Legion of Mary in Superior WI. She and Jim were members of St. Michael’s Parish in Wausau for 50 years. For many years, she was a volunteer at St. Michael School for many classroom activities and in the “Learning Center”.
Returning to work at Wausau Insurance in 1977, she retired 10 years later for a total of 20 years with the Company.
Helen and Jim enjoyed over 50 years together until Jim’s passing in 2014. Together they enjoyed traveling, including many winter retreats to Fort Myers, FL and a 10-day road trip up the ALCAN Highway in 1996. Their Golden Anniversary was happily celebrated with family and friends at “2510” Restaurant in 2012.
She was an old movie “buff”, who spent many happy hours watching, recording and cataloguing movies on VCR tapes. In later years, she enjoyed movies from the 1930’s 40’s and 50’s on TCM.
With thoughtfulness and joyful spirit, she made many happy memories for her family, especially for the holidays. Helen enjoyed time with friends and family most of all.
Survivors include her children, Thomas (Amy Wadman) Dreyer, Rothschild and Kathryn (Guy) Ettel, Hutchinson, MN, her granddaughters, Sarah Dreyer and Grace (Les) Stuhr and her nieces and nephews, Mary Kay (Tom) McDermott, Diane (Ray) Christo, Nora (Tony) Augustine, John (Martha) Conrad, Mark (Marsha) Dreyer and Paul (Kathy) Dreyer.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty (George) Stepanik and Dorothy (Ed) Jablonski.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Eric Mashak will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com . Memorials gifts may be directed to St. Michael Church, 611 Stark Street, Wausau, WI 54403.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Renaissance Assisted Living where Helen resided for the past 11 years. Thank you also to Compassus Hospice for their care and concern.
